The Victorian Government is to support strategic economic development and investment opportunities in Benalla through a $58,300 grant announced today by the Member for Northern Victoria Region, Candy Broad.
In Benalla today, Ms Broad said the Benalla Rural City Council would use the Provincial Economic Partnerships (PEP) funding to engage a Business and Tourism Services Officer for two years.
“The Benalla region has experienced recent strong growth across a broad range of industry and tourism sectors,” Ms Broad said.
“To exploit and manage this growth, the Council has invested heavily in a number of strategic economic planning projects all designed to ensure its capabilities are well matched to population and investment needs.
“To better coordinate and manage these projects, the Council requries a Business and Tourism Services Officer who will act as a direct link from Council to industry, industry organisations and tourism associations to encourage, assist and facilitate investment and job creation.
The officer’s key duties will include:
- Promoting the Benalla region as a great place to live, work and invest;
- Providing current, accurate and timely responses to investment enquiries from the private sector;
- Assisting with the implementation of Council’s Economic Development Strategy;
- Implementing a marketing plan for retail traders within Benalla;
- Implementing promotions plan linked in Benalla’s busy calendar of major events;
- Conducting an economic benefit assessment of retail promotions and marketing initiatives; and
Ms Broad said the position would strengthen the Council’s capacity in economic development and enable it to commence and complete a number of projects and initiatives.
“With a background in successful project management, the Business and Tourism Services Officer will help ensure projects can be managed and issues pro-actively addressed,” Ms Broad said.
Ms Broad commended Benalla Rural City Council for its initiative in identifying and promoting the region’s business, recreational and lifestyle opportunities.
“The Brumby Labor Government is committed to working in partnership with local councils and communities to drive new growth and investment opportunities across provincial Victoria,” Ms Broad said.
“PEP is providing financial assistance for councils to highlight their regions’ strengths through promotional and marketing activities and to help up-skill staff working in the area of economic development.
“It reflects our commitment to working in partnership with local councils and communities to drive new growth opportunities across provincial Victoria.”